Degree program: JD/M.M.A
Year accepted: 2025
Advisor: TBD
Research: MPAs, endangered species protection
Background: B.S. Environmental Studies, Minors in Anthropology, Policy Studies, and Jewish Studies, Elon University

Profile:

Growing up along the coast in Tampa, FL, Haley Sinsley developed a passion for the ocean at an early age. As a child, she enjoyed collecting shark teeth along the shoreline, and her love for sharks soon evolved into a broad interest in environmental science and conservation. This passion led Haley to Elon University where she earned her B.S. in Environmental Studies with minors in Anthropology, Policy Studies, and Jewish Studies. Her undergraduate education gave her a strong background in global environmental issues and freshwater management, but she always knew that her passion lied in the marine environment.

As Haley gained a deeper understanding of the complex issues threatening the oceans and coastal communities, she became determined to be part of the solution. Haley felt that a legal education would allow her to accomplish this goal while combining her interests in conservation and policy. Haley is currently pursuing her J.D. at Roger Williams University, where she has gained experience in several areas of coastal law. During the summer of 2024, she held a position as a student clinician at the law school’s Coastal Resilience Law and Policy Clinic, where she worked to strengthen the resilience of maritime ports on Block Island. Additionally, through her work as a law fellow for RI Sea Grant, Haley conducted research on enhancement of lateral access to the shoreline. Outside of her work in law and policy, Haley has also worked as a manager at Walker Farms Kayaks, a kayak rental facility in Barrington, RI.

Haley enrolled in the JD/MMA program through RWU and URI because it struck her as an incredibly unique opportunity to combine her legal expertise with her lifelong passion for the oceans. She is excited to learn from marine affairs experts at URI and feels that the program will provide her with the tools needed to excel in this field. Haley plans to pursue a career in ocean law and policy, possibly through an environmental NGO. Outside of her studies, Haley enjoys painting, drawing, and reading.